2017 Chardonnay, Prima Nature, Gerard Bertrand

The wine pours a soft gold with faint amber tinting, hinting at its time in bottle. On the nose, citrus peel (lemon, white grapefruit) and green apple linger, joined by delicate white blossoms and subtle notes of honeydew melon and faint pastry spice. With some bottle age, there may be a touch of wet stone or a light almond kernel nuance.

On the palate it is more restrained than in youth. The youthful brightness has mellowed: citrus flavors remain, though more toward baked lemon than fresh. The texture is gentle and round, with moderate body and a soft, polished mid-palate. Acidity is present but has softened, less racy, more supportive than driving. There is a whisper of oak or toast and creaminess (from partial malolactic influence) that balances the fruit without overtly dominating. The finish is modest but clean, with residual citrus and a soft nutty fade.